A Group Of Concerned Citizens in Southwest Iowa Focused on Improving Water Quality

On March 8th, 2024 in Red Oak, an agricultural co-op left open a valve on a liquid nitrogen tank. That mistake would lead to 265,000 gallons of nitrogen-based fertilizer being released into the East Nishnabotna River. The damage was felt far south, eventually killing 750,000 fish over a 60-mile stretch of the river.

More than a year later, little has been done to address the problems caused by this catastrophe or hold anyone accountable.

In March 2025, the Nishnabotna Water Defenders formed. Modeled after the Iowa Driftless Water Defenders, the Nishnabotna Water Defenders is focused on one main goal: Improving water quality in Southwest Iowa.

Our current focus is on the Nishnabotna River, both the East and West forks. Water quality in the watersheds is vital. However, we want this group to be representative of all of Southwest Iowa, not just those who live in the Nishnabotna watershed.

If you believe that everyone deserves clean water, then you’ve found the right group. We need clean water to live, and having it is more important than ever.

Who is on our board for the Nishnabotna Water Defenders? You can meet them here!

Want to join the Nishnabotna Water Defenders? Click here!